A Christmas present thief gave himself away by leaving blood at the scene of the crime (Image: Northumbria Police)

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But Best's unlawful actions were laid bare after he inadvertently left his blood inside the property – and that was enough for Northumbria Police's Scientific Support Unit to send the swabs away for tests which came back as a forensic link.

Best, of Somerset Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to burglary after appearing before magistrates in Teesside last week.

He is due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court next month.

PC Shaun Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: "Leon Best caused a huge amount of upset and anguish to his victims as a result of his selfish and unlawful actions.

The burglar accidentally left his own blood at the scene of the crime (Image: Northumbria Police)

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"He broke into a family home and stole hundreds of pounds worth of items, many of which were Christmas presents for children.

"He also endangered the lives of the victim's two dogs, who were left to roam free and later found hungry and dehydrated miles away from home.

"Burglary is an incredibly intrusive crime which can have a long-lasting and harmful effect not only to those who are victim to it, but their families and the local community as a whole.

"It is therefore important that the public see individuals like Best – who prey on others for purely selfish gains – are dealt with swiftly and robustly. He now must deal with the serious consequences of his actions when he is sentenced in the coming weeks."

A family's Christmas presents for their children were stolen in a sickening burglary (Image: Getty Stock)

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In a statement issued for the court, his victims spoke of the "extreme emotional stress" that Best's actions have caused for their whole family.

They said: "While the theft has been of material possessions, they mostly belong to our small children who we have now had to explain to them that their gifts and Xmas presents have been stolen. This has left them distraught.

"Luckily our two much-loved family pets were found a few miles away by someone that knew who they belong to. We have to be grateful for their return as it is hard to even contemplate the possibility that they could have been knocked over and killed.

"We work very hard every day to provide for our children and give them the best possible quality of life we can, then only to have it unfairly taken away by someone who clearly thinks they are above the law.

"I only pray this never happens to any other family as it has turned out to be the worst experience of our family's lives."